Crispy Salt and Vinegar Potatoes: These Are The Days

May 21st 2014

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Every year, I look forward to Bon Appetit’s travel issue because it reminds me of the main reason I travel: to eat, of course. I plan my days around breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee breaks, and cocktails. The more meals, the better. Several years ago, I first read about Hartwood restaurant in Tulum, Mexico, and convinced myself that I needed to go. It took a few years, but I finally made it.

Matt and I spent an amazing week in what I can only call paradise, for lack of a better word. I’ll elaborate on our trip (and our visit to Hartwood) later. But the travel issue. Travel is the sort of thing I’ve realized you don’t know you need in your life, until you get a taste of it. My first travels took place in the days when people dressed up to go to the airport, the food was something to look forward to, and extra luggage and legroom weren’t something you paid for. This was also a time when ‘going off the grid’ wasn’t a choice, but a result of technological constraints. By the time I was a junior in college, I was hooked for life.

Rome to Barcelona, Paris to Prague, Buenos Aires to Cartagena, Mazatlan to Kauai. My thirst for travel is much like an addiction, albeit a healthy one like running or surfing or gardening. One I am thankful to have stumbled into. Whenever I travel to a new place, I return home recharged: my head full of ideas for new recipes and writings, my pantry stocked with little jars and baggies; the tastes I can relive at home. I do believe that the worst thing for a creative mind is being locked up in a never-ending routine. Much as I am a creature of routine, these breaks for me are meditative, restorative.

The trip itself was nothing short of magical and I tried hard as I could to enjoy every minute of it rather than falling back on my tendency to start lamenting the end. It helped that I had something very exciting to return to (my daughter). But now I am back to my routine and in a foggy state: buried under emails, hopelessly behind on the news, blog reading, friend updates. I’m elated to be posting to the new site, but I also feel sluggish about getting back into the groove of things.

Next week, I’m turning 31 and if I’m being honest, 30 hasn’t been the easiest year. I have learned some tough things about myself and I’m trying to work some stuff out in my head. I know that I need to be kinder to myself, gentler on my own soul. To forgive and forget.

1. Add the potatoes, 1 cup of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a medium pot. Cover with water by 1″ over the potatoes.
2. Bring to a boil, then dial down the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and pat dry.
3. Add the butter to a large cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high. Toss in the potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking — tossing occassionally — until golden and crisp (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vinegar and toss to coat.
5. Transfer potatoes to a serving dish, sprinkle with chives / green onion and sea salt.

Cheers to being easier on yourself. And for travel – certainly one of those things you don’t realize you’ve been missing until you go on your first adventure. Can’t wait to hear more about your trip to Tulum – it’s been on my radar for months. 🙂

Nicole

I’m so glad you had fun in Mexico and I cannot wait to hear all about it! I always find it hard to get back to the grind after vacation, too. It’s just so hard. I once made sliced salt and vinegar potatoes on the grill, but I love the sound of these crispy little guys.

And, see, I need to do a bit more traveling. That’s one thing I really hope to accomplish in the next few years. So many places, even in the US, I have yet to experience. Sending you some early birthday wishes. We all have those tough years… but I do hope that this year you find even more ways to treat yourself well.

I always struggle with not lamenting the end of a trip, normally before it’s even began and just enjoying and embracing the moment. I’m glad you were able to do that in Tulum – it’s something I’m going to work on when we’re travelling in a couple of weeks. And yes, always, to being kinder to yourself. Here’s to 31.

It’s a terrible habit of mine and I’m trying to be better at it. Just to be at peace with the now. I am looking forward to catching up on your blog!

Nicole Spiridakis

Happy birthday! I hope this next year is a little bit easier for you. (As I’m learning, this first year of motherhood is a doozy, in a myriad of ways.) I too love travel, and loved it especially when I lived in SF because it was a such wonderful place to come home to. Now we travel to get out of the city we currently inhabit and sort of lament returning … but I’m hoping that changes in time 🙂 Wishing you the best 31 yet!